Challenging Diagnosis and Inpatient Rehabilitation of Acute Bilateral Neuralgic Amyotrophy Possibly Attributed to Lyme Disease: A Case Report

PM R. 2018 Jul;10(7):770-774. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2017.11.018. Epub 2017 Dec 20.

Abstract

Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is a neurologic syndrome of unknown etiology primarily affecting the brachial plexus. We are reporting an unusual case of acute bilateral NA that was possibly secondary to Lyme disease. The patient demonstrated significant functional gains and was discharged home after 2 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, supporting the role of inpatient rehabilitation in acute NA. In this report, we discuss the diagnosis, electrodiagnostic progression, pain management, goals for inpatient rehabilitation, and overall prognosis of NA.

Level of evidence: V.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brachial Plexus Neuritis / complications
  • Brachial Plexus Neuritis / diagnosis*
  • Brachial Plexus Neuritis / rehabilitation
  • Humans
  • Inpatients*
  • Lyme Disease / complications*
  • Lyme Disease / diagnosis
  • Lyme Disease / rehabilitation
  • Male
  • Muscle Strength / physiology*
  • Muscular Atrophy / diagnosis*
  • Muscular Atrophy / etiology
  • Muscular Atrophy / rehabilitation
  • Occupational Therapy / methods*
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*
  • Recovery of Function